PYQ Vault · Paper 1 · Indian Constitution

Right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life.

How the answer moves

The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.

Flow snapshot — how the answer moves
Intro routes

Route 1 no textual basis → Court reads privacy into Article 21

Route 2 Brandeis “right to be left alone” → privacy as protection of life, autonomy, information

Body flow

recognition came slowly → M.P. Sharma / Kharak Singh deny or limit → Gobind links Articles 19 & 21 → Naz Foundation protects personal space → Puttaswamy (2017) nine-judge unanimous → AG’s “common law right” plea rejected → held intrinsic to Article 21 → Alok Prasanna Kumar’s core elements (autonomy, choice, control over information)

Counter-view

privacy as mere common-law right vs full constitutional right → state may still restrict, but only if lawful, necessary, proportionate

Conclusion routes

Route 1 privacy gives meaning to life and liberty

Route 2 recognition now settled, yet bounded by proportionality

Model answer

Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.

Handwritten model answer — UPSC PSIR 2017, Indian Constitution